Kempston news
Kempston news, newest first, from The Bedford Times: planning, roads, schools, business and what's on in Kempston, with every story linked to its source.
Top story
Richard Fuller MP Drop-In: Kempston Rural, 20 November
Richard Fuller MP holds a drop-in surgery at All Saints Church Hall, Kempston Rural, on 20 November, 12.30 to 2pm, then Great Denham on 4 December.
More stories
Food & Drink
Christmas Dinner in Bedford: 12 Tables to Book, From £57.95 to £110
12 Christmas Day menus in and around Bedford with prices from £57.95 to £110, deposits, pay-by dates and hygiene ratings. Checked November 2026.
Kempston
Kempston Roadworks: Road Closures and Traffic Orders Near Kempston
Kempston roadworks: College Street (notice of 29 Oct) and every other traffic order within 3 km, checked each morning with the council's notice linked.
Fire service
Bedfordshire Fire Control: 3 Kempston 999 Call Handlers
Three Bedfordshire Fire Control staff at the Kempston HQ describe 999 calls, floods, a train crash and a decontamination incident in their second week.
Kempston
Kempston Weather: 7-Day Forecast and Today's Hourly Outlook
Kempston weather today: light drizzle, 11°C by day and 9°C overnight, with a 39% chance of rain and winds up to 6 mph.
Fire service
Bedfordshire Fire Plan: Harrold Area Waits 16m 50s for Help
House fires near Harrold wait 16 minutes 50 seconds on average for a fire engine, the slowest in Bedfordshire. Comment on the fire service plan by 15 January.
Kempston
Kempston Boundary Change Approved; Residents Opposed 22 to 8
Full Council approved moving part of Kempston Rural into Kempston Town on 7 October. Residents opposed it 22 to 8; a Band D bill rises about £25 from April 2027.
Kempston
Kempston Academy Fame Jr.: 100 Students, 14 to 17 December
Kempston Academy stages Fame Jr. at 7pm from Monday 14 to Thursday 17 December, with more than 100 students, and is asking local businesses to come and watch.
Bins and Recycling
Bedford Christmas bin dates: 2026 list due late November
Bedford moves bins at Christmas, often to a Saturday before it. The 2026 dates are due late November; here are last year's, tree drop-offs and tip closures.
Schools
Bedford term dates 2026/27: half term 26 to 30 October
Bedford Borough schools break up for Christmas on Friday 18 December and return 4 January. Every 2026/27 term and half term date, plus the private schools.
Half Term
Bedford October half term 2026: 26 to 30 October, what's on
Bedford half term is 26 to 30 October 2026. A Halloween circus, free Higgins workshops, Joseph at the Corn Exchange and a Blues home game, with prices.
House Prices
Bedford House Prices Up £12,497, but Growth Slows to 3.9%
The borough average reached £333,824 in July, up 3.9% and still ahead of every neighbour. The annual rate was 7.5% in May, and flats barely moved.
Business
Sainsbury's Bedford Distribution Centre Sold to Pension Fund
West Midlands Pension Fund has bought the 462,746 sq ft Sainsbury's depot at Marsh Leys, Kempston. The lease runs to 24 March 2036 and the rent is up 22%.
Kempston
Kempston Art Trail, 13 September (Past): River Ouse Event
A free art trail along the Great Ouse at Kempston Mill runs 11am to 4pm this Sunday, 13 September, and launches the town's new environmental charter.
Christmas
Bedford Lights Switch-On 2026: Lights On 5pm, 21 November
Bedford's lights go on at 5pm on Saturday 21 November in Harpur Square, free from midday. Full stage times, plus Kempston's 29 November switch-on.
Bins and Recycling
Bedford bin collection days: no bank holiday changes
Bedford bins run as usual on bank holidays; only Christmas moves. Which bin goes out which week, weekly food waste, glass in the orange bin and missed bins.
Parking
Parking in Bedford: 3 hours free at Robinson Pool
Two Bedford car parks give hours free that the council's own free parking page leaves out. Sunday and Saturday free parking, and charges for all 14 car parks.
Council Tax
Bedford council tax bands 2026/27: Band D is £2,447.66
Bedford Borough charges four council tax rates by area, plus parish precepts. Band A to H for Bedford town and Kempston, and the dearest parishes.